The Preaching Platform

Psalm 91: A Message of Hope

March 19, 2020 / Palitha Jayasooriya

A photo of the Holy Bible opened to the book of Psalms.

Introduction to Psalm 91

When Covid-19 swept across almost all borders, fear and anxiety gripped hearts around the world. No one seemed safe anymore and everyone was searching for methods of protection. Today, we face new and dangerous challenges. In times of crisis, however, the children of God, as it has happened right through history, can find encouragement and comfort through the promises of God. One such passage people often turn to for comfort is Psalm 91.

As I look at social media today, I find many people sharing either the entire passage of Psalm 91 or at least parts of it, to strengthen others. Through this article, I would like to share my thoughts as well regarding this beautiful Psalm. Do keep your Bible open to Psalm 91 as you read.

Sermon : Four Steps to Win the Battle Over Worry (Matthew 6:25-34)

April 22, 2017 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 9 Comments

Introduction

A man was constantly worrying that somebody was under his bed. He went to a Counselor who was willing to help him, but at a high fee, over many months. A few weeks later the Counselor met the man on the street and asked him why he had not returned. The man replied, “I met a friend who gave me some great advice for free. It worked perfectly’. The Counselor asked what advice had been given him and the man replied, ‘He asked me to cut the legs of the bed down to ground level”!

How much we worry and how many of our worries are unfounded? Unhealthy worrying can cripple us to the point of making us ineffective and unable to cope with life’s challenges. It can also lead to depression. We worry over sickness, viruses, finances, family, children, salt, sugar, unforeseen dangers and many other things.

God’s Restoration of the Lost Years : Sermon (Isaiah 54)

January 12, 2016 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 2 Comments

Sermon : God’s Restoration of the Lost Years

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka – Photo Credit: Vasantha Jayasooriya

INTRODUCTION

Let me begin this sermon on God’s restoration with the following illustration.

One of the historical wonders of Sri Lanka is the complex rock fortress, Sigiriya, and the palace built on it by one of our former Kings, Kasyapa, many centuries ago. It is an amazing place to see & tourists flock there to view its beauty, grandeur and craftsmanship. One of the highlights of Sigiriya is the frescoes that are painted on the rock walls. These and the site itself are considered National treasures, with UNESCO listing Sigiriya as a world heritage site. (If ever you come over to Sri Lanka, you need to visit Sigiriya).

Many years ago, some of the frescoes were vandalized by an unknown group of people, with, (if I remember correctly), either ink or paint being thrown, to deface them. As a result, many experts had to be brought in (foreign and local), to work at restoring these frescoes back to their original state. Thankfully, they succeeded in most of their painstaking efforts.

5 Foundations To Build A Blessed Family

October 18, 2015 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 15 Comments

Image credit: Evil Erin

Introduction

Many buildings that look strong on the outside develop cracks and some collapse, due to the foundation being weak. Bad foundations produce bad buildings! It’s no different with building a blessed family. Didn’t the Lord Jesus Himself give us the parable of the house on the Rock and the one on sand (Matthew 7:24-27)? The house on the Rock stood firm because it had the right foundation.

In this article, I would like to share what I believe are 5 vital foundations for building a blessed family. They are:

The Challenge of Preaching at Christmas

July 24, 2023 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

A visual of a candle and a Christmas tree to draw attention to the theme of 'Preaching At Christmas'.

The Challenge of Preaching at Christmas

(Preaching at Christmas time is never easy. May this article be useful to all preachers in their preparation.)

Our pastoral team was planning for the Christmas Season and at that moment, focusing on our main Christmas Event. The event which is held mid-December is normally a well-planned production that would attract anything from 1300-1500 (sometimes more) people from cross-sections of the city. As the discussion continued, one of the pastors casually asked, “Who will be our speaker?” As thoughts of a number of possible guest preachers went through my mind, the Senior Pastor looked at me smilingly. He wanted me to be the speaker.

My immediate reaction should have been, “Not me. Not at Christmas time.” But strangely, I felt a peace about taking on the challenge which was not too far away. Since that day, I have had the opportunity to preach at many of our Christmas Events, besides speaking around 6-10 times at our outreach ministries every December. Over the years, I have learned many lessons about preaching at Christmas time and would like to share some of my learning experiences in this article. They are as follows.

Being A Person Sent By God (Acts 19:8-11, John1:6) – A Sermon Outline

June 22, 2023 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

A visual of a person sent by God studying His Word in preparing for his/her mission..

Introduction: Sermon outline on being sent by God

“There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John” (John 1:6)

Like John the Baptist, God is looking for men and women He can send into His harvest field. Are you willing to be one of them? Dwight Moody was once told, “Moody, the world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully committed to Him.” Moody answered that call and God used him powerfully.

Proposition: God can use anyone who is available and willing to serve Him.

In case you are asking the question, “What does God expect of me if He sends me?”, here are 5 things He would look for.

Strength From God’s Word: Episode 14 – God’s Eye is on the Sparrow

June 17, 2023 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

Podcast – God’s Eye is on the Sparrow

This 2.38″ minute podcast is based on Matthew 6. It highlights the fact that the Father who feeds and takes care of the birds of the air, will always take good care of His children. If you are blessed by the podcast, do consider subscribing to our YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/@palithajayasooriya3415/featured

For an inspiring Father’s Day sermon click here.

For a playlist of Episodes 1-10 of our podcast click here.

God’s Mercy Will Transform Your Future (Sermon Outline)

April 22, 2023 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

A visual of a person looking forward over a lake to indicate that God's mercy can transform our future.

Introduction: Begin with a meaningful personal illustration of God’s mercy over your life.

When you understand God’s mercy:

Anxiety will decrease and peace of mind will increase

Stress will decrease and stability will increase

Frustrations in Life will decrease and satisfaction in life will increase

In Today’s topic, we will look at Joshua 2 and the life of a lady – a mother in the Bible called Rahab. Rahab had many strikes against her and not much hope for a fulfilled future. She probably had very little to look forward to.

God’s mercy would however transform her bleak future!

The Power of the Cross – ‘Strength From God’s Word’ Podcast – Episode 11

April 7, 2023 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

This 3-minute podcast is based on Colossians 2:13-15. It highlights 3 powerful truths about what the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished for us on the cross through His sacrifice. If you are blessed by the podcast, do consider subscribing to our YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/@palithajayasooriya3415/featured

Strength From God’s Word – The Power of the Cross

For a more detailed inspiring study on the cross, click here.

Strength From God’s Word Podcast (Programs 1-10)

April 6, 2023 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

Receive strength from God’s Word as you listen to episodes 1-10 of our 2+ minute podcast on this YouTube playlist. May it be a blessing to you. Please share where necessary. Thank you.

Palm Sunday Sermon – A Colt, a Command, and a Cleansing (Mark 11)

February 17, 2023 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

A visual of palm leaves to highlight the topic of the sermon outline which is Palm Sunday.

Introduction to Sermon Outline:

Draw a comparison between a royal wedding and Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem as King on Palm Sunday. What are the similarities you see? What are the differences?

This sermon outline is based around 3 events that are connected to the Palm Sunday story.

1. Palm Sunday is symbolized by a colt (Mark 11:1-10)

*Jesus sent two disciples to a nearby village where they would find a colt that no man had ridden. (verse 1-2)

* They were to untie the colt and bring it to Jesus. If anyone were to ask what they were doing, they were to say that the Lord needed it and would return it shortly. (verse 2-6).

*It is noteworthy that Jesus was going to return the colt to its owner (verse 3).

* Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the colt in the midst of praise (verse 7-10), fulfilling an Old Testament prophecy confirming that He was Messiah and King. This is what the prophet Zechariah said.

“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9)

* Highlight that Jesus’ kingship began with humility and sacrifice

Application from point 1 :

This Palm Sunday is Jesus the king of your entire life? If not, allow Him to be so.

Illustration: Share the moment when Jesus became your Savior.

Strength From God’s Word – Episode 2 – ‘Delays are not Denials.’

February 11, 2023 / Palitha Jayasooriya / 0 Comments

Podcast on ‘Delays are not Denials’.

This message based on the book of Esther chapters 2 and 6, encourages us to believe in God’s timing when we face delayed answers to our prayers. It is a 2.30′-minute podcast that will encourage you to trust God in prayer. For another similar podcast click here. If you are blessed by this podcast, please do subscribe to our You Tube channel here. Thanks.